After the whirlwind of wedding celebrations, many newlyweds look forward to a special trip to mark the start of their married life. Whether it’s exploring exotic beaches, vibrant cities, or serene landscapes, this post-wedding getaway is a cherished tradition. But have you ever paused to wonder, Why Is It Called A Honeymoon? The term itself sounds romantic and sweet, evoking images of love and bliss. However, the origins of the word and the tradition are far more complex and intriguing than you might imagine.
While today a honeymoon signifies a romantic escape for couples to connect and celebrate, its historical roots are surprisingly unromantic, dating back to medieval times. The modern honeymoon is an opportunity for relaxation, bonding, and adventure, a stark contrast to its initial, less idyllic purpose.
To understand the true meaning and evolution of this enduring custom, we delve into the history of the honeymoon, consulting with experts such as wedding historian Susan Waggoner, luxury travel agent Dr. Terika Haynes, and Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Director of Weddings and Romance at Sandals. Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of the honeymoon, from its ancient beginnings to its contemporary significance.
:max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/BRI-Q4-90th-Anniversary-DI-HoneymoonHistory-Embed-1-003efd1d35c14b1a8848e51092932630.jpg)
Alt text: Newlyweds walking hand in hand on a sunny beach, enjoying their honeymoon vacation.
The Medieval Origins of the Honeymoon Name and Tradition
The history of the honeymoon tradition can be traced back to the fifth century, during the medieval period. Contrary to its current image of romance and celebration, the earliest form of the honeymoon was connected to “marriage by capture.” According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, this ancient practice involved a groom kidnapping his bride, often with the intention of impregnating her before her family could object to the marriage. This act served to solidify the union, making it difficult for the bride’s family to interfere or demand her return. Waggoner explains that the bride would be held captive until “the family would either give up the search or the bride would become pregnant, making all questions of her return moot.” In either case, the marriage became virtually irreversible. Historical accounts also indicate that poorer men in various regions, including China, South America, East and South Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, utilized this custom to avoid paying a dowry, which was a traditional payment of money or property to the bride’s family.
Interestingly, the term “honeymoon” itself also originates from the medieval era. In fifth-century Europe, it was customary for wedding guests to gift the newly married couple a month’s supply – measured by a lunar cycle, or “moon” – of mead, a fermented honey beverage. The newlyweds were expected to consume this alcoholic drink daily for 30 days, believed to enhance fertility and the likelihood of conception, as Waggoner notes. Therefore, the term “honeymoon” literally signifies “a moon’s worth of honey wine.” This practice directly links the sweetness of honey and the cyclical nature of the moon to the initial month of marriage, aiming for a fertile and hopefully “sweet” beginning.
:max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/BRI-Q4-90th-Anniversary-DI-HoneymoonHistory-Embed-2-80e5fd29b7064365bb775d6b8cebd42d.jpg)
Alt text: Romantic honeymoon moment: a couple kissing in crystal clear water while snorkeling, symbolizing modern honeymoon experiences.
How the Honeymoon Tradition Has Evolved Over Centuries
Despite its somewhat dubious beginnings rooted in capture and forced consumption of mead, the honeymoon tradition has undergone a significant transformation over the centuries, evolving into the romantic and consensual vacation we know today. Let’s explore this fascinating evolution through different eras.
The 19th Century: The Rise of Bridal Tours
In 19th-century Britain and America, the honeymoon began to take on a new form with the emergence of “bridal tours.” Instead of seclusion, couples embarked on journeys to visit friends and family members who were unable to attend the wedding ceremony. Initially, to ease the bride’s transition into married life, a female friend or relative would often accompany the newlyweds. However, starting in the 1870s, couples began to travel alone, marking a shift towards a more private experience. These tours also served as a way for affluent couples to display their wealth and social standing through travel and extended stays at various estates.
The 20th Century: Honeymoons Become More Accessible and Romantic
The 20th century witnessed a significant shift in the honeymoon tradition. As automobiles became more common and the travel industry developed, honeymoons became increasingly accessible to the middle class. Couples started venturing to destinations further afield, and some locations even began marketing themselves specifically as honeymoon spots. Niagara Falls, for example, famously adopted the slogan “Honeymoon Capital of the World” in the early 1900s. By mid-century, dedicated honeymoon resorts started to emerge, catering specifically to newlyweds. Furthermore, the post-World War II era brought about more liberal attitudes towards sexuality, contributing to a more overtly romantic focus for honeymoons. The emphasis shifted from familial obligations and social display to the couple’s personal enjoyment and intimacy.
The 21st Century: Personalization and Diverse Experiences
Modern honeymoons in the 21st century are characterized by personalization and diversity. Couples now wholeheartedly embrace the honeymoon as a trip taken immediately after their wedding, exclusively for themselves. There is no rigid template for the destination, duration, or itinerary. The core intention remains celebrating the marriage and fostering romance, a world away from the original motivations. Wedding historian Waggoner points out that in contemporary society, where marriage is typically based on love and travel is for leisure, honeymoons are primarily about connection, enjoyment, and relaxation.
Marsha-Ann Donaldson from Sandals Resorts emphasizes that personalization is key to the modern honeymoon. “Today’s couples are prioritizing personalization and the ability to design their perfect honeymoon, which is often a mix of relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to learn something new,” she states. Couples carefully select destinations and suite options based on these criteria.
Luxury travel agent Dr. Terika Haynes adds that accessibility of air travel and the internet has broadened honeymoon possibilities immensely. Modern couples can choose from virtually any location worldwide, from tropical islands to bustling metropolises, as long as it aligns with their budget. Honeymoon planning now involves selecting destinations and activities that resonate with the couple’s shared interests, hobbies, and personalities, whether they seek adventure or relaxation. “Honeymoons have become more personalized to reflect the things that the couple enjoys,” Haynes notes. “Couples are now doing customized spa treatments, adventurous excursions, culinary tours, and much more.”
:max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/BRI-Q4-90th-Anniversary-DI-HoneymoonHistory-Embed-3-af2f519bb774458585a28081c940ce17.jpg)
Alt text: A honeymoon couple in vibrant tropical clothing joyfully embracing in front of a brightly colored resort, representing the fun and celebratory aspect of modern honeymoons.
Popular Trends Shaping the Modern Honeymoon Tradition
While the classic modern honeymoon, a post-wedding trip for two, remains popular, several contemporary trends are reshaping how couples celebrate their marriage.
Delayed Honeymoons: Extending the Anticipation
Departing immediately after the wedding isn’t always feasible. A growing trend is the delayed honeymoon, where couples postpone their trip for weeks or even up to a year after the wedding. This allows couples to de-stress after the intense wedding planning period, manage work schedules, save more for their dream trip, or travel during a more favorable season for their chosen destination. A delayed honeymoon also provides an extended period of anticipation and excitement following the wedding festivities.
Minimoons: Quick Getaways, Maximum Romance
For couples seeking a quicker and often more budget-friendly option, minimoons are gaining popularity. These are short trips, typically lasting two to three days, to nearby destinations taken in the days or weeks after the wedding. Luxury travel agent Haynes points out that minimoons can be a standalone honeymoon for budget-conscious couples, or serve as a precursor to a longer honeymoon planned for the future. Some couples even opt for a pre-wedding minimoon as a relaxing escape before the big day.
Weddingmoons: Seamless Ceremony to Honeymoon
The rise of destination weddings has naturally led to the “weddingmoon” trend. Couples getting married abroad or in far-flung locations are simply extending their stay to incorporate their honeymoon. Marsha-Ann Donaldson of Sandals Resorts explains, “Sandals Resorts has long embraced the unique combination of destination wedding and honeymoon trends—we actually coined the term ‘weddingmoon’ to capture the seamless transition from ceremony to honeymoon.” Guests are also joining in, extending their stays to spend more time celebrating with the newlyweds.
Buddymoons: Honeymooning with Friends
Challenging the traditional notion of a honeymoon as strictly for the couple, buddymoons are emerging as a social alternative. These involve inviting close friends or family to join part or all of the honeymoon trip. While some couples split the trip, spending the first portion with friends and the latter half alone, buddymoons cater to a desire for shared experiences and connection, particularly emphasized in a post-pandemic world, according to Haynes. They can also be more cost-effective as expenses can be shared among a larger group.
Trip Stacking: The Extended Honeymoon Adventure
On the opposite end of the spectrum from minimoons is trip stacking. This trend involves extending the honeymoon to weeks or even months, creating a grand, multi-destination adventure. Couples might “stack” multiple vacations, such as exploring several European cities in one trip or booking consecutive cruises, maximizing their travel experience and creating unforgettable memories.
The Future of the Honeymoon Tradition
Looking ahead, the honeymoon tradition is expected to continue evolving, shaped by changing travel trends and couples’ priorities. Donaldson anticipates that honeymoons in the 2030s will feature longer durations and a greater focus on cultural immersion. “Honeymoons will stretch beyond the typical week-long getaways, allowing couples to have more time to really immerse themselves in the rich cultures of the destination,” she predicts. Sandals Resorts is already adapting to this trend by partnering with local restaurants, offering private transportation for island exploration, and incorporating authentic Caribbean flavors into on-site dining experiences.
The Caribbean is projected to remain a top honeymoon destination, particularly for couples from the United States, due to the increasing availability of inter-island flights, making multi-island itineraries more accessible. Donaldson suggests, “Couples will find opportunities to cross more than one destination off their list, perhaps coupling Saint Vincent with nearby islands like Saint Lucia or Grenada.”
FAQ
-
What are some of the most popular honeymoon destinations?
Popular choices include Hawaii, Mexico, Florida, Jamaica, Italy, St. Lucia, Tahiti, and the Bahamas. While beach destinations are favored, diverse landscapes from deserts to mountains offer numerous options. -
What do people do on honeymoons?
Honeymoon activities are entirely personalized. Adventure-seeking couples might enjoy hiking and scuba diving, while others may prefer relaxation with spa treatments and wellness activities. -
How much do honeymoons cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the trip style and duration. For couples in the United States, the average cost is around $5,000, but this can fluctuate significantly. -
What is the best time to go on a honeymoon?
The best time depends on individual schedules and destination preferences. Consider avoiding hurricane season in tropical locations or peak tourist seasons in popular areas. -
When should we start planning our honeymoon?
It’s recommended to start planning six to eight months in advance, especially for European destinations during summer. For remote or complex itineraries, planning up to a year ahead is advisable. -
How long is the average honeymoon?
According to Donaldson, the average honeymoon duration at Sandals Resorts is about seven nights, considered ideal for relaxation and enjoying resort amenities.
The Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month
In conclusion, the answer to “why is it called a honeymoon” reveals a journey through history, from ancient customs of capture and mead consumption to the modern celebration of love and partnership. While the term’s origin might be rooted in a less romantic past, the honeymoon tradition has beautifully evolved into a cherished ritual that allows couples to embark on their married life with joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences.
